Systems and methods for controlling access to media content by detecting one or more user fingerprints

ABSTRACT

A system includes a media content processing subsystem and user input device having a plurality of control surfaces each configured to cause the input device to transmit at least one command to the media content processing subsystem. The input device is configured to acquire an image of a fingerprint of a finger touching the control surface and cause the processing subsystem to execute the command in accordance with a user profile that corresponds to the acquired fingerprint image.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The advent of computers, interactive electronic communication, theInternet, and other advances in the digital realm of consumerelectronics have resulted in a great variety of enhanced programming,recording, and viewing options for users who view media content such astelevision programs. In implementing such enhanced options, the set-topbox (“STB”) has become an important computing device for accessing mediacontent services and the media content within those services. Inaddition to supporting traditional analog broadcast video functionality,STBs also support an increasing number of two-way digital services suchas video-on-demand, internet protocol television (“IPTV”), and personalvideo recording.

An STB is typically connected to a cable or satellite, or generally, asubscriber television system, and includes hardware and softwarenecessary to provide enhanced options for a subscriber television systemat a subscriber location. Conventional STBs include a processor,communication components, and memory and are connected to a televisionor other display device, such as a personal computer. While many STBsare stand-alone devices that are externally connected to a television,an STB and/or its functionality may be integrated into a television orpersonal computer, a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a personaldigital assistant (“PDA”), or even into an audio device such as aprogrammable radio, as is known.

An STB is usually configured to provide users with a large number andvariety of media content choices. For example, a user may choose toaccess a variety of broadcast television programs, pay-per-viewservices, video-on-demand programming, Internet services, and audioprogramming via an STB.

With such a wide variety of available media content, it is oftendesirable to restrict or block certain media content instances deemedinappropriate to minors and others. Moreover, it may be desirable tocompletely restrict access to any of the functions of an STB for one ormore unauthorized users.

Parental control devices, such as V-chips, allow a parent or guardian toautomatically block media content instances that contain materialconsidered to be inappropriate to minors such as, but not limited to,sexually explicit material, violence, profanity, etc. However, manyparental control devices are often cumbersome to program and are ofteneasily bypassed. Moreover, parents or other authorized users often haveto enter an access code or perform some other inconvenient task in orderto access blocked programming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and are a partof the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examplesand do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Throughout the drawings,identical reference numbers designate identical or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a media content access system accordingto principles described herein.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary media content provider networkaccording to principles described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary media content processingsubsystem according to principles described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary user input device according toprinciples described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration wherein a single inputdevice is used by multiple users to control a media content processingsubsystem according to principles described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary inputdevice configured to acquire a fingerprint image corresponding to eachuser thereof according to principles described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a number of components that may be included within anexemplary fingerprint scanning subsystem according to principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary configuration wherein a singlefingerprint scanning subsystem corresponds to multiple control surfacesaccording to principles described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative fingerprint scanning subsystemconfigured to capacitively acquire a fingerprint image when a fingertouches or presses a control surface according to principles describedherein.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface configured toallow a user to enter one or more fingerprint images into a databaseand/or associate one or more of the fingerprint images that are withinthe database with one or more user profiles according to principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary whitelist that may be a part of aparticular user profile according to principles described herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary whitelist that may be a part of aparticular user profile according to principles described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary blacklist that may be a part of aparticular user profile according to principles described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary program guide graphical user interfacethat may be displayed by the display device according to principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary program guide graphical user interfacethat may be a part of a user profile created for a child according toprinciples described herein.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary method of providing access to one ormore media content instances that may be available via the mediaprocessing subsystem according to principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary systems and methods for accessing one or more media contentinstances via a media content processing subsystem (e.g., a set-top boxor a television set) are described herein. As used herein, the term“media content instance” will be used to refer generally to anytelevision program, on demand program, pay-per-view program, broadcastmedia program, IPTV, commercial, advertisement, video, movie, song,image, photograph, sound, or any segment of these or other forms ofmedia content that may be experienced or viewed by a user.

The exemplary systems and methods described herein generally enable amedia content experience to be customized for different users of a mediacontent processing subsystem. The term “customizing a media contentexperience” and variations thereof will be used herein to refer tosetting one or more viewing preferences for a user, restricting accessto one or more media content instances for the user, allowing access toone or more media content instances for the user, and/or otherwisecustomizing the interaction between the media content processingsubsystem and the user.

In some examples, a user input device may be provided that includes atleast a plurality of control surfaces each configured to cause the inputdevice to transmit at least one command to the media content processingsubsystem. When a user touches one of the control surfaces with a fingerto transmit a command to the processing subsystem, the input deviceacquires an image of a fingerprint of the finger while the finger istouching the control surface and causes the processing subsystem toexecute the command in accordance with a user profile that correspondsto the acquired fingerprint image. As used herein, the term “userprofile” refers to a set of one or more customized or personalizedsettings that affect any aspect of media content that may be accessedvia the media content processing subsystem.

Components and functions of the exemplary systems and methods describedherein will now be described in more detail.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary media content access system 100. Mediacontent access system 100 may take many different forms and includemultiple and/or alternate components and facilities.

As shown in FIG. 1, a media content processing subsystem 110 isconfigured to communicate with and receive a signal or data stream(e.g., a media content stream) containing a media content instance froma media content provider 111. The media content processing subsystem 110and media content provider 111 may communicate using any knowncommunication technologies, devices, media, and protocols supportive ofremote data communications, including, but not limited to, cablenetworks, subscriber television networks, satellite networks, theInternet, intranets, local area networks, wireless networks (e.g.,mobile telephone networks), optical fiber networks, data transmissionmedia, communications devices, Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”),Internet Protocol (“IP”), File Transfer Protocol (“FTP”), telnet,Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”), socket connections, Ethernet, andother suitable communications networks and technologies.

The media content processing subsystem 110 may use any suitabletechnology or technologies to receive the media content instance fromthe media content provider 111, including using a tuner to receive themedia content instance, as described below. The media content processingsubsystem 110 may be configured to process the media content streamprovided by the media content provider 111, including causing the mediacontent instance, or one or more components (e.g., video and/or audiocomponents) of the media content instance, to be presented forexperiencing (e.g., viewing) by a user. The presentation of the mediacontent instance may include, but is not limited to, displaying, playingback, or otherwise processing the media content instance, or one or morecomponents of the media content instance, such that it may beexperienced by the user. For example, the media content processingsubsystem 110 may provide a signal to a display device 112 (e.g., atelevision, computer monitor, etc.) so that the display device 112 maypresent (e.g., display) the media content instance for experiencing bythe user.

As shown in FIG. 1, and as will be described in more detail below, themedia content processing subsystem 110 may be controlled by a user inputdevice 113 (e.g., a remote control device) and/or a number of additionalaccess devices 114 (e.g., a personal computer, wireless device, mobilephone, etc.).

While an exemplary media content access system 100 is shown in FIG. 1,the exemplary components illustrated in FIG. 1 are not intended to belimiting. Indeed, additional or alternative components and/orimplementations may be used, as is well known. Each of the components ofsystem 100 will now be described in additional detail.

Media content provider 111 is configured to provide various types ofmedia content via a satellite, cable system, subscriber televisionnetwork, the Internet, optical fiber network, wireless network, or anyother suitable network. The media content may include, but is notlimited to audio-visual content (e.g., broadcast television programs,pay-per-view services, Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”), DigitalVideo Disc (“DVD”) related content, or video-on-demand programming),pre-recorded media content, data communication services such as Internetservices, images, and audio programming.

An exemplary media content provider 111 includes a media contentprovider server 121, as shown in FIG. 2. The media content providerserver 121 may be configured to communicate with the media contentprocessing subsystem 110 via one or more types of networks 120 (andcommunications links thereto). The network 120 shown in FIG. 2 mayinclude the Internet, an intranet or other private packet-switchednetwork, a cable television network (e.g., hybrid fiber-coax network), awireless broadcast network (e.g., a satellite media broadcasting networkor terrestrial broadcasting network), a telephone network, aprovider-specific network (e.g., a Verizon® FIOS® network and/or a TiVo®network), an optical fiber network, or any other suitable network. Insome alternative examples, the processing subsystem 110 may be connecteddirectly to the media content provider server 121.

As mentioned, the processing subsystem 110 may be coupled to a displaydevice 112 configured to present media content to a user. For example,the display device 112 may display or play the media content. Thedisplay device 112 may include, but is not limited to, a television,computer monitor, mobile phone, handheld device, or any other deviceconfigured to present media content to a user.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary media content processingsubsystem 110 (or simply “processing subsystem 110”). The processingsubsystem 110 may include any combination of hardware, software, andfirmware configured to process an incoming media content stream. As usedherein and in the appended claims, unless otherwise specificallydenoted, the terms “media content processing subsystem” and “processingsubsystem” will be used to refer expansively to all possible devicesthat receive and process digital and/or analog media content. Hence, anexemplary processing subsystem 110 may include, but is not limited to, aset-top box (“STB”), a home communication terminal (“HCT”), a digitalhome communication terminal (“DHCT”), a stand-alone personal videorecorder (“PVR”), a television set, a DVD player, a video-enabled phone,and/or a personal computer.

In some examples, the processing subsystem 110 may include any computerhardware and/or instructions (e.g., software programs), or combinationsof software and hardware, configured to perform the processes describedherein. In particular, it should be understood that processing subsystem110 may be implemented on one physical computing device or may beimplemented on more than one physical computing device. Accordingly,processing subsystem 110 may include any one of a number of computingdevices, and may employ any of a number of computer operating systems,including, but not limited to, known versions and/or varieties of theMicrosoft Windows® operating system, the UNIX operating system,Macintosh® operating system, and the Linux® operating system.

Accordingly, the processes described herein may be implemented at leastin part as instructions executable by one or more computing devices. Ingeneral, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions,e.g., from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executesthose instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, includingone or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions may bestored and transmitted using a variety of known computer-readable media.

A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readablemedium) includes any medium that participates in providing data (e.g.,instructions) that may be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of acomputer). Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limitedto, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disksand other persistent memory. Volatile media may include, for example,dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”), which typically constitutes amain memory. Transmission media may include, for example, coaxialcables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprisea system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Transmission mediamay include or convey acoustic waves, light waves, and electromagneticemissions, such as those generated during radio frequency (“RF”) andinfrared (“IR”) data communications. Common forms of computer-readablemedia include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk,magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any otheroptical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium withpatterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any othermemory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer canread.

While an exemplary processing subsystem 110 is shown in FIG. 3, theexemplary components illustrated in FIG. 3 are not intended to belimiting. Indeed, additional or alternative components and/orimplementations may be used. Various components of the processingsubsystem 110 will now be described in additional detail.

In some examples, the processing subsystem 110 may include acommunication interface 131 configured to receive media content in anyformat from the media content provider 111 or from any other suitablemedia content source. The communication interface 131 may include anydevice, logic, and/or other technologies suitable for receiving signalsand/or data representative of media content. In some examples, thecommunication interface 131 may include a single port configured toreceive media content from the media content provider 111 and/or fromany other source (e.g., from another processing subsystem, anotherserver, etc.) For example, the communication interface 131 may includeor be connected to a broadband connection, which can enable theprocessing subsystem 110 to receive media content on a single port frommultiple sources. In other examples, multiple ports may be used. Thecommunication interface 131 may be configured to interface with anysuitable communication media, protocols, and formats, including any ofthose mentioned above.

The processing subsystem 110 may also include a receiver 132 configuredto receive one or more input commands from one or more user inputdevices 113. An exemplary user input device 113 will be described inmore detail below.

A number of additional access devices 114 may also be configured tocommunicate with the processing subsystem 110. These access devices 114may include, but are not limited to, personal computers and mobiledevices (e.g., laptops, PDAs, cellular phones, etc.). In some examples,the access devices 114 may be configured to access content stored and/orprocessed by the processing subsystem 110. For example, media contentthat has been recorded by the processing subsystem 110 may be accessedand viewed on a personal computer. Moreover, the additional accessdevices 114 may be used to program or otherwise control the functions ofthe processing subsystem 110.

The processing subsystem 110 may also include an output driver 133configured to interface with or drive the display device 112. The outputdriver 133 may include any combination of hardware, software, andfirmware as may serve a particular application.

As shown in FIG. 3, a storage device 134 may also be included within theprocessing subsystem 110. In some examples, the storage device 134 mayinclude one or more data storage media, devices, or configurations andmay employ any type, form, and combination of storage media. Forexample, the storage device 134 may include, but is not limited to, ahard drive, network drive, flash drive, magnetic disc, optical disc, orother non-volatile storage unit. Various portions of media content maybe temporarily and/or permanently stored in the storage device 134.

The storage device 134 of FIG. 3 is shown to be a part of the processingsubsystem 110 for illustrative purposes only. It will be understood thatthe storage device 134 may additionally or alternatively be locatedexternal to the processing subsystem 110.

The processing subsystem may also include memory 135. Memory 135 mayinclude, but is not limited to, FLASH memory, random access memory(RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), or a combination thereof. In some examples,as will be described in more detail below, various applications used bythe processing subsystem 110 may reside in memory 135.

As shown in FIG. 3, the storage device 134 may include one or more livecache buffers 136. The live cache buffer 136 may additionally oralternatively reside in memory 135 or in a storage device external tothe processing subsystem 110. In some examples, media content data maybe temporarily stored in the live cache buffer 136 to facilitate viewingof the media content in one or more trick play modes.

The storage device 134 may also include a tuner 137. Tuner 137 isconfigured to tune to a particular television channel, stream, address,frequency or other carrier (i.e., content carrier) in order to processmedia content that is transmitted on that carrier. In some examples, thetuner 137 may include multiple tuners such that multiple carriers ofmedia content may be processed and/or shown on a display device 112. Forexample, the tuner 137 may include a first tuner configured to receivean analog video signal corresponding to a first media content instanceand a second tuner configured to simultaneously receive a digitalcompressed stream corresponding to a second media content instance. Itwill be recognized that the tuner 137 may have any number of tunersconfigured to receive any kind of media content.

In some examples, media content received at the tuner 137 is temporarilybuffered, or stored, in the live cache buffer 136. If there are multipletuners 137, there may be a live cache buffer 136 corresponding to eachof the tuners 137. Once media content is temporarily stored in the livecache buffer 136, the user may then designate whether the media contentis to be permanently stored as a permanent recording in the storagedevice 134 or whether the media content is to be deleted. As usedherein, the term “permanent recording” will be understood to mean mediacontent that is stored for an extended period of time as decided by theuser.

As shown in FIG. 3, the processing subsystem 110 may include one or moreprocessors, such as processor 138, configured to control the operationsof the processing subsystem 110. The processing subsystem 110 may alsoinclude a signal processing unit 139 configured to process incomingmedia content. The signal processing unit 139 may be configured, forexample, to demodulate and parse encoded digital media content. In someexamples, the processing subsystem 110 may include one or more signalprocessing units 139 corresponding to each of the tuners 137.

In some examples, if the incoming media content is in the form of IPdata packets (e.g., in IPTV configurations), the media content may beprocessed directly by the processor 138 and/or any other processorconfigured to process IP data packets.

The processing subsystem 110 may also include a graphics engine 140configured to generate graphics that are to be displayed by the displaydevice 112. The graphics may include graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”)such as, but not limited to, one or more program guides, progress bars,and other graphics.

Also shown in FIG. 3 are one or more applications 141-143 that may beincluded within the processing subsystem 110. These applications141-143, or application clients, may reside in memory 135 or in anyother area of the processing subsystem 110 and be executed by theprocessor 138. The applications 141-143 shown in FIG. 3 are merelyillustrative of the many different applications that may reside withinthe processing subsystem 110.

As shown in FIG. 3, one of the applications may include a personal videorecording (PVR) application 141. A PVR application is also referred toas a digital video recording (DVR) application. As used herein, the term“PVR application” will be used to refer to any application or deviceconfigured to record media content and/or provide for the viewing ofmedia content in trick play mode. As previously mentioned, trick playmodes include, but are not limited to, slow motion, fast motion, reverseplay, fast forward play, instant replay, jumping, pausing of livebroadcast, and scanning. The PVR application 141 may also provide formedia content recording functionality by enabling the temporary and/orpermanent recording of media content to the storage device 134.

The processing subsystem 110 may additionally or alternatively include aprogram guide application 142 configured to generate a program guidethat is displayed on the display device 112. An exemplary program guideincludes a GUI that performs various functions including allowing a userto select and/or view information and options associated with variousmedia content instances.

In some examples, the processing subsystem 110 includes a user profileapplication 143 configured to enable a user to program one or more userprofiles within the processing subsystem 110. Additionally oralternatively, the user profile application 143 may be configured toenable a user to associate one or more fingerprint images with one ormore user profiles. As mentioned previously, a user profile may includeone or more customized or personalized settings that affect any aspectof media content that may be accessed via the processing subsystem 110.For example, as will be described in more detail below, a user profilemay include a “whitelist” specifying one or more accessible mediacontent instances, a “blacklist” specifying one or more media contentaccess restrictions, customized display settings, and/or any othercustomized setting.

In some examples, a user may control the processing subsystem 110 with auser input device 113 (or simply “input device 113”). The input device113 may include, for example, a remote control, keyboard, mouse, or anyother suitable input device. In some examples, the input device 113 mayinclude a transmitter configured to communicate with the receiver 132 ofthe processing subsystem 110 via a wireless link, electrical connection,or any other suitable communication link.

An exemplary remote control input device 113 is illustrated in FIG. 4.It will be recognized that the input device 113 shown in FIG. 4 ismerely illustrative of the many different types of input devices thatmay be used in connection with the systems and methods described herein.

In some examples, the input device 113 may include one or more controlsurfaces configured to enable a user to control various options relatedto media content available via the processing subsystem 110. As usedherein, the term “control surface” refers to any button, key, or othersurface that, when selected by a user, causes the input device 113 totransmit a command to the processing subsystem 110. A user may “select”a control surface by touching and/or pressing the control surface.

A number of control surfaces are illustrated in FIG. 4. For example,channel up and down buttons 144 and 145 enable a user to navigate to andbetween various media content instances. A record button 146 may also beincluded which enables the user to designate as permanently recorded anymedia content instance buffered in the live cache buffer 136. A programguide button 147 may be configured to evoke the display of a programguide on the display device 112. A left button 148, right button 149, upbutton 150, down button 151, and select button 152 may also be includedand configured to enable the user to evoke and/or navigate throughvarious views and graphical user interfaces displayed by the displaydevice 112.

Many input devices, such as the remote control input device 113 shown inFIG. 4, communicate with the processing subsystem 110 by transmittinginfrared (“IR”) commands that are detected and decoded by the processingsubsystem 110. However, it will be recognized that the input device 113may be configured to transmit commands to the processing subsystem 110using any other suitable communication link.

In some examples, each control surface that is a part of the inputdevice 113 corresponds to a unique control code or binary word. Hence,when a particular control surface is selected, a control codecorresponding to that control surface is included within the commandthat is transmitted to the processing subsystem 110. The processingsubsystem 110 may then recognize which control surface was selected bydetecting and decoding the unique control code.

To illustrate, Table 1 shows an exemplary 8-bit encoding scheme that maybe used to represent various control surfaces that are a part of theinput device 113. It will be recognized that the encoding scheme shownin Table 1 is merely illustrative of the many different encoding schemesthat may be used to represent the various control surfaces that may be apart of the input device 113. Moreover, it will be recognized that thelength of each control code or encoding representation may also vary asmay serve a particular application.

TABLE 1 Input Device Control Surface Control Code 1 0000 0000 (0) 2 00000001 (1) 3 0000 0010 (2) 4 0000 0011 (3) 5 0000 0100 (4) 6 0000 0101 (5)7 0000 0110 (6) 8 0000 0111 (7) 9 0000 1000 (8) 0 0000 1001 (9) Select0000 1011 (11) Channel up 0001 0000 (16) Channel down 0001 0001 (17)Volume up 0001 0010 (18) Volume down 0001 0011 (19) Power on 0001 0101(21) Power off 0010 1111 (47) Mute 0001 0100 (20)

As shown in Table 1, each control surface that is a part of the inputdevice 113 corresponds to a unique 8-bit control code. The decimalequivalent to each 8-bit control code is shown in parenthesis in Table 1for illustrative purposes. When a particular control surface isselected, the input device 113 transmits the control word correspondingto that control surface to the processing subsystem 110. For example, ifthe user presses the channel up button 144, the input device 113transmits a “00010000” to the processing subsystem 110. The processingsubsystem 110 is configured to recognize the transmitted control wordand execute or perform the specified command (e.g., channel up).

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration wherein a single inputdevice 113 is used by multiple users (e.g., 155-1 through 155-3,collectively referred to herein as 155) to control the media contentprocessing subsystem 110. The users 155 may include a father 155-1,mother 155-2, and/or child 155-3, for example. FIG. 5 shows three users155 for illustrative purposes only. It will be recognized that anynumber of users may control the processing subsystem 110 with the inputdevice 113 shown in FIG. 5.

In some examples, each user may have different viewing preferencesand/or desire to access different media content instances via theprocessing subsystem 110. Additionally or alternatively, it may bedesirable to restrict access to certain media content instances for aparticular user (e.g., the child 155-3) or to completely restrict accessto any of the functions of a processing subsystem 110 for one or moreunauthorized users.

To this end, an input device 113 that controls a particular processingsubsystem 110 may be configured to distinguish between various usersthereof. In some examples, as will be described in more detail below,the input device 113 may be configured to acquire a fingerprint imagecorresponding to each user thereof and compare the acquired fingerprintimage to one or more fingerprint images that are stored within adatabase. The fingerprint images stored within the database correspondto one or more authorized users each having a particular user profileassociated therewith. In this manner, when a particular user uses theinput device 113 to transmit a command to the processing subsystem 110,the processing subsystem 110 may execute the command in accordance witha user profile that has been established for that particular user. Thedatabase of fingerprint images will be described in more detail below.

In some examples, the input device 113 may be configured to acquire oneor more fingerprint images when a user selects one or more of thecontrol surfaces thereof To illustrate, a number of exemplary inputdevices 113 configured to acquire one or more fingerprint images when auser selects one or more control surfaces thereof will now be describedin more detail.

An exploded perspective view of an exemplary input device 113 configuredto acquire a fingerprint image corresponding to each user thereof isshown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the input device 113 includes afront panel 160 and a back panel 161 with a printed circuit board(“PCB”) 162 disposed therebetween. The front and back panels 160 and 161form an outer casing of the input device 113 and may be made out of anysuitable material.

As shown in FIG. 6, a number of control surfaces 163 may be disposed onthe front panel 160. It will be recognized that the control surfaces 163shown in FIG. 6 are merely illustrative of the many different controlsurfaces that may be included within the input device 113.

The control surfaces 163 may include raised buttons or keys, as shown inFIG. 6. Each raised button or key may include one or more springmechanism, for example, to facilitate depression thereof Additionally oralternatively, one or more of the control surfaces 163 may besubstantially flush with the front panel 160.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6, the PCB 162 may include one ormore fingerprint scanning subsystems 164 configured to optically acquirea fingerprint image when a finger touches and/or presses one or more ofthe control surfaces 163. It will be recognized that the number offingerprint scanning subsystems 164 included within the input device 113may vary as may serve a particular application. For example, the inputdevice 113 may include a distinct fingerprint scanning subsystem 164 foreach of the control surfaces 163. Alternatively, one or more of thefingerprint scanning subsystems 164 may each correspond to a pluralityof control surfaces 163.

As shown in FIG. 6, each fingerprint scanning subsystem 164 may includeone or more transmission sources 165 and one or more imaging components166 configured to acquire an image of a fingerprint when a user selectsa corresponding control surface 163. The imaging components 166 arefurther configured to transmit the acquired fingerprint image to animage processor 167 where the acquired fingerprint image is processedand compared to one or more fingerprint images that are stored within adatabase. The fingerprint scanning subsystem 164 and image processor 167will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 7 illustrates a number of components that may be included within anexemplary fingerprint scanning subsystem 164. As shown in FIG. 7, thefingerprint scanning subsystem 164 may include the transmission source165 described previously, a lens 170, an image sensor 171, and acontroller 172 configured to control the operation of the transmissionsource 165 and the image sensor 171. Each of these components will bedescribed in more detail below.

In some examples, the transmission source 165 is configured to directone or more waves at a surface of a finger 173 when the finger 173 comesin contact with and/or presses a control surface 163 that corresponds tothe fingerprint scanning subsystem 164. The waves may include lightwaves, infrared waves, optical waves, and/or any other type of waveconfigured to assist in the acquisition of a fingerprint image. Thewaves provided by the transmission source 165 are indicated by dottedlines in FIG. 7.

In the examples given herein, it will be assumed for illustrativepurposes only that the transmission source 165 includes a light sourceconfigured to provide light that illuminates the surface of the finger173 when the finger 173 comes in contact with and/or presses a controlsurface 163. The light source may include one or more light emittingdiodes (“LEDs”), for example. However, it will be recognized that thetransmission source 165 may include any other device configured todirect any other type of wave at the surface of the finger 173.

In some examples, the control surface 163 may include an at leasttranslucent body made of glass, plastic, or any other suitable materialconfigured to allow light to pass therethrough. In this manner, thelight provided by the transmission source 165 may pass through thetranslucent body of the control surface 163 and reflect off the surfaceof the finger 173.

As shown in FIG. 7, the finger 173 includes a number of ridges 174 andvalleys 175. Air layers exist in the valleys 175 of the finger 173.Hence, light reflects differently from the valleys 175 than from theridges 174. As shown in FIG. 7, at least a portion of the light thatreflects off each of the ridges 174 and valleys 175 exits thetranslucent body of the control surface 163 and into the lens 170.

In some examples, the lens 170 may be optically coupled to thetranslucent body of the control surface 163 with one or more opticallinks or cables. Alternatively, the lens 170 may be physically coupledto a bottom surface of the translucent body of the control surface 163.

The reflected light is then passed or directed from the lens 170 to theimage sensor 171. In some alternative examples, the reflected light maybe passed directly to the image sensor 171 via one or more opticalfibers without the use of the lens 170.

The image sensor 171 may then acquire a fingerprint image (i.e., animage of at least a portion of one or more ridges 174 and valleys 175 ofthe bottom surface of the finger 173) based on the reflected light.

The image sensor 171 may include any combination of hardware, software,and/or firmware as may serve a particular application. For example, theimage sensor 171 may include a charge coupled device (“CCD”) coupled toan analog-to-digital converter. The CCD may include a number ofphotosites, or light-sensitive diodes, each configured to generate anelectrical signal in response to light photons. The electrical signalsgenerated by the photosites collectively form an image of the ridges 174and valleys 175 of the finger 173. The analog-to-digital converter maythen process the electrical signals to generate a digital representationof the image. Additional or alternative image sensors 171 that may beused in accordance with the systems and methods described hereininclude, but are not limited to, photosensors, CMOS devices, and/or anyother optical imaging device.

The controller 172 shown in FIG. 7 is configured to control theoperation of the transmission source 165 and/or the image sensor 171.For example, the controller may be configured to turn the transmissionsource 165 on or off and/or adjust the exposure time of the image sensor171. It will be recognized that the controller 172 may include anycombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware and may be configuredto perform additional or alternative functions as may serve a particularapplication.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fingerprint image acquired by the image sensor171 is transmitted to an image processor 167. The image processor 167may include any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware asmay serve a particular application. In some examples, the imageprocessor 167 is located within the input device 113, as shown in FIG.6. Alternatively, the image processor 167 may be located within theprocessing subsystem 110 or within any other device configured tocommunicate with the input device 113.

In some examples, the image processor 167 is configured to analyze thefingerprint image acquired by the image sensor 171 to determine whetherthe fingerprint image is acceptable for further processing. To this end,the image processor 167 may assess average pixel darkness and reject theacquired fingerprint image if the image is too dark or too light. If thefingerprint image is rejected, the image processor 167 may cause thecontroller 172 to adjust the settings of the transmission source 165and/or the image sensor 171 and reacquire the fingerprint image. It willbe recognized that the minimum level of resolution and/or detailincluded within an acquired fingerprint image that is considered to beacceptable for further processing may vary as may serve a particularapplication.

Once an acceptable fingerprint image has been acquired by the imagesensor 171, the image processor 167 compares the acquired fingerprintimage to a number of fingerprint images that are stored within adatabase. Each fingerprint image stored within the database isassociated with a particular user profile. If the image processor 167determines that the acquired fingerprint image matches a particularfingerprint image within the database, the image processor 167 may causethe processing subsystem 110 to execute a command transmitted by theuser input device 113 in accordance with a user profile that isassociated with the matching fingerprint image.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary configuration wherein a singlefingerprint scanning subsystem 164 corresponds to multiple controlsurfaces (e.g., 163-1 through 163-3, collectively referred to herein as163). In other words, the fingerprint scanning subsystem 164 shown inFIG. 8 is configured to optically acquire a fingerprint image when afinger 173 touches any one of the multiple control surfaces 163.

In some examples, the fingerprint scanning subsystem 164 of FIG. 8 mayinclude a distinct transmission source (e.g., 165-1 through 165-3,collectively referred to herein as 165) corresponding to each controlsurface 163. In some alternative examples, a single transmission source165 may be used to illuminate a plurality of the control surfaces 163shown in FIG. 8.

Each control surface 163 may additionally or alternatively have acorresponding lens (e.g., 170-1 through 170-3, collectively referred toherein as 170) within the fingerprint scanning subsystem 164. As shownin FIG. 8, each lens 170 may be angled towards the image sensor 171 soas to direct the reflected light thereto. In this manner, a single imagesensor 171 may be used to acquire a fingerprint image originating from anumber of different control surfaces 163.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative fingerprint scanning subsystem 164configured to capacitively acquire a fingerprint image when a fingertouches or presses a control surface 163. As shown in FIG. 9, thefingerprint scanning subsystem 164 may include a number of integratorcircuits (e.g., 190-1 and 190-2, collectively referred to herein as 190)and a processor 191 configured to control the integrator circuits 190.The processor 191 may include any combination of hardware, software,and/or firmware as may serve a particular application.

As shown in FIG. 9, each integrator circuit 190 is coupled to twoconductor plates 192. In some examples, the conductor plates 192 arelocated within an insulative body of the control surface 163.Alternatively, the conductor plates may be located beneath the body ofthe control surface 163.

The distance between each conductor plate 192 is relatively small. Insome instances, for example, the distance between each conductor plate192 is less than or equal to a width of a finger ridge 174 or a fingervalley 175.

As shown in FIG. 9, each integrator circuit 190 may include an invertingoperational amplifier 193 having an inverting terminal 194 and anon-inverting terminal 195. The non-inverting terminal 195 iselectrically coupled to ground 196. The inverting terminal 194 iselectrically coupled to an input reference voltage 197 in series with aninput capacitor 198, a feedback loop including two of the connectorplates 192, and a reset switch 199.

It will be recognized that the two conductor plates 192 included withinthe feedback loop form a basic capacitor capable of storing charge. Insome examples, the surface of the finger 173 acts as a third capacitorplate, separated by the insulating layer within the control surface 163and, in the case of fingerprint valleys 175, a pocket of air. Varyingthe distance between the capacitor plates (e.g., by moving the finger173 closer or farther away from the conductor plates 192) changes thetotal capacitance of the capacitor formed by the conductor plates 192.Hence, the capacitance between two conductor plates 192 underneath aridge 174 will be greater than the capacitance between two conductorplates 192 underneath a valley 175.

To acquire a fingerprint image, the processor 191 first resets eachintegrating circuit 190 by closing and then opening each of the resetswitches 199. Charge is then applied to the integrator circuits 190,some of which accumulates on each pair of conductor plates 192. Thecapacitance between each pair of conductor plates 192 is dependent onthis charge and on the ridges 174 and valleys 175 that are a part of thefinger 173. The capacitance between each pair of conductor plates 192,in turn, affects the output voltage of each amplifier 193. Hence, theprocessor 191 may read the voltage output of each amplifier 193 anddetermine whether each voltage output corresponds to a ridge 174 or to avalley 175. In this manner, the processor 191 may generate an overallimage of the fingerprint.

The processor 191 may then transmit the acquired fingerprint image tothe image processor 167. The image processor 167, as described above,may be configured to determine whether the fingerprint image isacceptable for further processing and/or compare the acquire fingerprintimage to a number of fingerprint images that are stored within adatabase.

In some examples, a fingerprint image is acquired and compared to thefingerprint images stored within the database each time a user selects acontrol surface 163. In some alternative examples, the fingerprintscanning subsystem 164 and/or the image processor 167 may be configuredto periodically acquire and compare fingerprint images to thefingerprint images within the database. The frequency of this periodicacquisition and comparison may vary as may serve a particularapplication. For example, a pre-determined time period may be allowed topass after an initial acquisition of a fingerprint image before asubsequent fingerprint image is acquired by the fingerprint scanningsubsystem 164. During this pre-determined time period, the processingsubsystem 110 may be configured to execute one or more commandstransmitted thereto from the input device 113 in accordance with a userprofile that corresponds to the initially acquired fingerprint image.

The database of fingerprint images described herein may be locatedwithin a storage medium that is a part of the input device 113. Forexample, the input device 113 may include a hard drive, flash memorymodule, or any other storage medium configured to store the fingerprintimage database. Alternatively, the fingerprint image database may bestored within the storage device 134 or memory 135 located within theprocessing subsystem 110. In yet another alternative example, thefingerprint image database may be stored within a storage medium that islocated within any other device communicatively coupled to theprocessing subsystem 110.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 10, the processing subsystem 110 maybe configured to display a GUI 200 that is configured to allow a user toenter one or more fingerprint images into the database and/or associateone or more of the fingerprint images that are within the database withone or more user profiles. As shown in FIG. 10, the GUI 200 may includea listing of each of the fingerprint images included within thedatabase, a name of the particular user corresponding to each of thefingerprint images, and a name of the particular user profilecorresponding to each of the user profiles.

For example, the GUI 200 shown in FIG. 10 may indicate that thefingerprint image database includes five entries. As shown in FIG. 10,the first fingerprint image corresponds to a user named “Mike” and to auser profile labeled “Full Access”. The second fingerprint imagecorresponds to a user named “Sally” and to a user profile labeled“Sally's Profile”. The next two fingerprint images correspond to thesame user “John” and to a user profile labeled “Child”. The lastfingerprint image corresponds to a user named “Sarah” and to a userprofile labeled “Teen”. It will be recognized that the entries shown inFIG. 10 are merely illustrative and that they may be added to orotherwise modified as may serve a particular application.

In some examples, a user may enter a fingerprint image into thefingerprint image database and/or assign a particular user name and userprofile to one or more fingerprint images already in the database. Anysuitable method may be used to add a fingerprint image to the database.For example, a user may select the “Add” button shown in FIG. 10 andthen touch or press a pre-determined control surface 163 on the inputdevice 113. A fingerprint scanning subsystem 164 may then acquire thefingerprint image and transmit the fingerprint image to the imageprocessor 167 for addition to the database.

In some examples, a user may additionally associate a default userprofile with a set of fingerprint images that are not included withinthe database. In this manner, a user who does not typically use theprocessing subsystem 110 (e.g., a guest) may still access media contentvia the processing subsystem 110. However, any command transmitted bythat user to the processing subsystem 110 will be executed in accordancewith the default user profile.

Each user profile described herein may include various settings,permissions, and/or restrictions. A number of exemplary settings thatmay be a part of a user profile will now be described.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary whitelist 210 that may be a part of aparticular user profile. In some examples, the whitelist 210 may bedisplayed by the processing subsystem 110 as a GUI and may include aneditable listing 211 of a number of channels that may be accessed by auser while the processing subsystem 110 is operating within the userprofile. The listing 211 shown in FIG. 11 includes four channels(channels 2, 11, 39, and 72) for illustrative purposes only. It will berecognized that the whitelist 210 may be edited to include any number ofchannels as may serve a particular user profile.

In some examples, a user having a fingerprint associated with aparticular user profile that includes the whitelist 210 may access onlythose channels listed within the whitelist 210. In this manner, forexample, a parent may create a whitelist, such as whitelist 210, thatlists channels that the parent deems appropriate for a child. The parentmay then assign the whitelist 210 to a user profile associated with oneor more fingerprints of the child. In this manner, when the childselects a particular control surface 163 that is part of the user inputdevice 113, the processing subsystem 110 recognizes the fingerprint ofthe child and performs the corresponding command in accordance with therules specified in the whitelist 210.

Hence, if the child presses channel up or channel down on the inputdevice 113, for example, the processing subsystem 110 skips channels notlisted within the whitelist 210 and causes the display device 112 todisplay content associated with one of the channels listed within thewhitelist 210. If the child tries to specifically key in the number of achannel that is not listed within the whitelist 210, the processingsubsystem 110 may be configured to ignore the command, display an errormessage, or otherwise indicate to the child that the keyed-in channel isnot accessible.

In some examples, the whitelist 210 may additionally or alternativelyinclude an editable listing of one or more media content instances, oneor more media content ratings, and/or any other rules that specify oneor more media content instances that may be accessed by a user whilewithin the corresponding user profile.

For example, FIG. 12 shows that the whitelist 210 may include a numberof specific media content instances 220 and 221 and allowable contentratings 222. A user having a fingerprint assigned to a particular userprofile that includes the whitelist 210 shown in FIG. 12 may access onlythose media content instances listed within the whitelist 210 or mediacontent instances with a content rating of “G”. It will be recognizedthat any number of media content instances and/or content ratings may belisted within the whitelist 210 as may serve a particular user profile.

A user profile may additionally or alternatively include a blacklistspecifying one or more media content access restrictions. For example,FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary blacklist 230 that may be a part of aparticular user profile and that may be displayed as a GUI on theviewing screen of the display device 112. In some examples, theblacklist 230 may include an editable listing of channels 231, specificmedia content instances 232 and 233, and content ratings 234 that areblocked or prevented from being accessed while within the user profile.The contents of the blacklist 230 may be edited to include anyadditional or alternative listing as may serve a particular userprofile.

In some examples, a user having a fingerprint assigned to a particularuser profile that includes the blacklist 230 may be blocked fromaccessing any media content instance specified by the entries containedwithin the blacklist 230. For example, a user having a fingerprintassigned to a user profile that includes the blacklist 230 shown in FIG.13 is blocked from accessing any of the channels listed within theblacklist 230 (e.g., HBO, STARZ, and TBS), any of the specific mediacontent instances 232 and 233 listed within the blacklist 230 (e.g.,HOUSE, DANCING WITH THE STARS, MR. ROGERS, THE RING, and WWF), or anymedia content instance having any of the ratings 234 listed within theblacklist (e.g., PG-13, R, and NC-17).

A user profile may also include one or more customized display settings.For example, a user profile may specify a particular layout of a programguide GUI. FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary program guide GUI 240 thatmay be displayed by the display device 112. As shown in FIG. 14, theprogram guide GUI 240 may be configured to display detailed programinformation corresponding to a number of media content instances thatmay be accessed via the processing subsystem 110. The detailed programinformation may include, but is not limited to, start and stop times,titles, plot summaries, and various graphics related to one or more ofthe media content instances.

However, some users may desire to only view a limited number of itemswithin a program guide GUI 240. Moreover, in some instances, a parent orother user may desire to limit the program information displayed withinthe program guide GUI 240 when the program guide GUI 240 is accessed bya child. Hence, in some examples, the contents of the program guide GUI240 may be specified and included as a part of a particular user profilethat is associated with a particular fingerprint.

For example, FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary program guide GUI 250 thatmay be a part of a user profile created for a child. It will berecognized that the program guide GUI 250 is simplified in comparison tothe program guide GUI 240 illustrated in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 15,the simplified program guide GUI 250 may be configured to display onlythe channel numbers and logos, a number of media content instancetitles, and/or a number of graphics corresponding to the media contentinstance titles. However, it will be recognized that the program guideGUI 250 shown in FIG. 15 may be configured to display any type ofprogram information as may serve a particular user profile.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary method of providing access to one ormore media content instances that may be available via the mediaprocessing subsystem 110. The steps shown in FIG. 16 are merelyillustrative and may be omitted, added to, reordered, and/or modified inany way.

In step 260, a plurality of user profiles are created within the mediacontent processing subsystem 110. The user profiles may include anycustomized setting related to media content that is accessible via theprocessing subsystem 110.

One or more fingerprint images corresponding to one or more users of theprocessing subsystem 110 are then entered into a database, as shown instep 261. Next, each of the user profiles is assigned to one or more ofthe fingerprint images stored within the database, as shown in step 262.

A user may then transmit a command to the processing subsystem 110 byselecting a control surface 163 that is a part of the input device 163.When the user selects the control surface 163, a fingerprint scanningsubsystem 164 acquires an image of the fingerprint of the user, as shownin step 263. In step 264, the acquired fingerprint image is compared toone or more of the fingerprint images stored within the database.

In step 266, if it is determined that the acquired fingerprint imagematches one of the fingerprint images within the database (Yes, step265), the processing subsystem 110 executes the command transmitted fromthe user input device 113 in accordance with a user profile that isassigned to the matching fingerprint image.

As shown in FIG. 16, a fingerprint image may be acquired and compared toone or more of the fingerprint images stored within the database eachtime a user selects a new control surface 163.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate anddescribe embodiments of the invention. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Theinvention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained andillustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. It is intendedthat the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a media content processingsubsystem configured to transmit to, communicate with, and receive asignal or data stream containing a media content instance from, a mediacontent provider; and an input device comprising a plurality of controlsurfaces each configured to cause said input device to transmit at leastone command to said processing subsystem, each of said control surfacesselectively transmitting a fingerprint of a finger touching said controlsurface to said input device; wherein said input device is configured toacquire an image of a fingerprint of a finger touching one of saidcontrol surfaces, to determine a command corresponding to said one ofsaid control surfaces, allow a pre-determined time period to pass afteracquiring said fingerprint image before acquiring a subsequentfingerprint image, and cause said processing subsystem to execute,within said pre-determined time period, said command corresponding tosaid one of said control surfaces in accordance with a user profile thatcorresponds to said acquired fingerprint image; wherein said inputdevice includes at least one fingerprint scanning subsystem configuredto acquire said image of said fingerprint of said finger touching saidone of said control surfaces, analyze a quality of said fingerprintimage acquired based at least in part on whether said quality isacceptable for a particular application associated with said one of saidcontrol surfaces through which said fingerprint image was acquired todetermine whether said fingerprint image is acceptable for furtherprocessing and adjust settings and reacquire said fingerprint image ifsaid fingerprint image is unacceptable for further processing.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said input device is further configured toacquire said subsequent image of a fingerprint of a finger touchinganother of said control surfaces, to determine a command correspondingto said another of said control surfaces, and cause said processingsubsystem to execute another command corresponding to said another ofsaid control surfaces in accordance with a user profile that correspondsto said subsequent acquired fingerprint image.
 3. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a storage medium configured to store a database ofone or more fingerprint images each having a corresponding user profile;and an image processor; wherein said image processor is configured todetermine whether said acquired fingerprint image matches one of saidfingerprint images within said database; and if said acquiredfingerprint matches one of said fingerprint images within said database,select a user profile that corresponds to said one of said fingerprintimages within said database as said user profile that corresponds tosaid acquired fingerprint image.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein saidimage processor is located within said input device.
 5. The system ofclaim 3, wherein said image processor is located within said processingsubsystem.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least onefingerprint scanning subsystem comprises a distinct fingerprint scanningsubsystem for each of a plurality of said control surfaces.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said at least one fingerprint scanningsubsystem comprises: a transmission source configured to illuminate asurface of said finger touching said one of said control surfaces; andan image sensor configured to optically acquire said image of saidfingerprint while said surface of said finger is illuminated by saidtransmission source.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said one of saidcontrol surfaces comprises a translucent body configured to allowpassage of said light therethrough such that said light reflects off ofsaid surface of said finger.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said atleast one fingerprint scanning subsystem comprises: a plurality ofconductor plates; a plurality of integrator circuits electricallycoupled to said plurality of conductor plates; and a processorconfigured to control an operation of said integrator circuits; whereinsaid processor is configured to cause said integrator circuits and saidconductor plates to capacitively acquire said image of said fingerprint.10. The system of claim 1, wherein said user profile that corresponds tosaid acquired fingerprint image comprises at least one settingconfigured to customize an interaction between a user and saidprocessing subsystem.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said at leastone setting comprises a whitelist specifying at least one accessiblemedia content instance, wherein only media content instances specifiedby the whitelist are accessible.
 12. The system of claim 1, the userprofile causing execution of the command in accordance with criteriaselected from the group of criteria consisting of (a) permitting theuser access to the media content instance, (b) restricting the user fromaccessing the media content instance, (c) providing a customized displayof the media content instance and (d) providing a customized programguide.
 13. An apparatus comprising: a media content processing subsystemconfigured to transmit to, communicate with, and receive a signal ordata stream containing a media content instance from, a media contentprovider; a transmitter configured to communicate with said mediacontent processing subsystem; at least one fingerprint scanningsubsystem; a plurality of control surfaces each configured to cause saidtransmitter to transmit at least one command to said processingsubsystem, each of said control surfaces selectively transmitting afingerprint of a finger touching said control surface to said inputdevice; and wherein said at least one fingerprint scanning subsystem isconfigured to acquire an image of a fingerprint of a finger touching oneof said control surfaces, analyze a quality of said fingerprint imageacquired to determine whether said fingerprint image is acceptable forfurther processing based at least in part on whether the quality isacceptable for a particular application associated with the one of thecontrol surfaces through which the fingerprint image was acquired,adjust settings and reacquire said fingerprint image if said fingerprintimage is unacceptable for further processing, and allow a pre-determinedtime period to pass after acquiring said fingerprint image beforeacquiring a subsequent fingerprint image; and wherein said transmitteris configured to determine a command corresponding to said one of saidcontrol surfaces, and cause said processing subsystem to execute saidcommand, within said pre-determined time period, corresponding to saidone of said control surfaces in accordance with a user profile thatcorresponds to said acquired fingerprint image.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein said at least one fingerprint scanning subsystem isfurther configured to acquire said subsequent image of a fingerprint ofa finger touching another of said control surfaces, and said transmitteris further configured to cause said processing subsystem to executeanother command corresponding to said another of said control surfacesin accordance with a user profile that corresponds to said subsequentacquired fingerprint image.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising: a storage medium configured to store a database of one ormore fingerprint images and one or more corresponding user profiles; andan image processor; wherein said image processor is configured todetermine whether said acquired fingerprint image matches one of saidfingerprint images within said database; and if said acquiredfingerprint matches one of said fingerprint images within said database,select a user profile that corresponds to said one of said fingerprintimages within said database as said user profile that corresponds tosaid acquired fingerprint image.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, whereinsaid at least one fingerprint scanning subsystem comprises a distinctfingerprint scanning subsystem for each of a plurality of said controlsurfaces.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said at least onefingerprint scanning subsystem comprises: a transmission sourceconfigured to illuminate a surface of said finger touching said one ofsaid control surfaces; and an image sensor configured to opticallyacquire said image of said fingerprint while said surface of said fingeris illuminated by said transmission source.
 18. The apparatus of claim17, wherein said one of said control surfaces comprises a translucentbody configured to allow passage of said light therethrough such thatsaid light reflects off of said surface of said finger.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein said at least one fingerprint scanningsubsystem comprises: a plurality of conductor plates; a plurality ofintegrator circuits electrically coupled to said plurality of conductorplates; and a processor configured to control an operation of saidintegrator circuits; wherein said processor is configured to cause saidintegrator circuits and said conductor plates to capacitively acquiresaid image of said fingerprint.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13, whereinsaid user profile that corresponds to said acquired fingerprint imagecomprises at least one setting configured to customize an interactionbetween a user and said processing subsystem.
 21. The apparatus of claim20, wherein said at least one setting comprises a whitelist specifyingat least one accessible media content instance, wherein only mediacontent instances specified by the whitelist are accessible.
 22. Amethod comprising: providing an input device comprising a plurality ofcontrol surfaces each configured to cause said input device to transmitat least one command to a media content processor that is configured toprovide access to at least one media content instance throughtransmission to, communication with, and reception of a signal or datastream from, a media content provider, wherein said input device canacquire a fingerprint of a finger touching each of said plurality ofcontrol surfaces; acquiring an image of a fingerprint of a fingertouching one of said control surfaces; analyzing a quality of saidfingerprint image acquired to determine whether said fingerprint imageis acceptable for further processing based at least in part on whetherthe quality is acceptable for a particular application associated withthe one of the control surfaces through which the fingerprint image wasacquired; adjusting at least one setting and reacquiring saidfingerprint image if said fingerprint image is unacceptable for furtherprocessing; allowing a pre-determined time period to pass afteracquiring said fingerprint image before acquiring a subsequentfingerprint image; determining a command corresponding to said one ofsaid control surfaces; and executing a command, within saidpre-determined time period, as indicated by said one of said controlsurfaces in accordance with a user profile that corresponds to saidacquired fingerprint image.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising: providing a database of one or more fingerprint images andone or more corresponding user profiles; determining whether saidacquired fingerprint image matches one of said fingerprint images withinsaid database; and selecting a user profile that corresponds to said oneof said fingerprint images within said database as said user profilethat corresponds to said acquired fingerprint image if said acquiredfingerprint matches one of said fingerprint images within said database.24. The method of claim 22, wherein said step of acquiring said image ofsaid fingerprint comprises optically acquiring said image of saidfingerprint.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein said step of acquiringsaid image of said fingerprint comprises capacitively acquiring saidimage of said fingerprint.